Decision to prosecute Awami League is justified: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has welcomed the interim government’s decision to suspend all political activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations, calling it a necessary step to ensure a swift and uninterrupted trial of the party’s alleged crimes against humanity during the “July Uprising.” He also termed the prosecution of Awami League leaders as “a just and timely move.”

Speaking through a statement on Sunday (May 11), Fakhrul urged the interim administration to announce a clear and specific roadmap for restoring democracy in the country.

The decision to bar all political and online activities of the Awami League came during an emergency meeting of the Advisory Council on Saturday night (May 10). The government also issued an ordinance amending the International Crimes Tribunal Act to allow for the prosecution of political parties.

Fakhrul noted, “During our meeting with the Chief Adviser on February 10, we submitted a written demand for the prosecution of the Awami League as a political entity for its alleged role in genocide and crimes against humanity. We reiterated that call in a letter on April 16, demanding the urgent trial of the fallen fascist party and its government collaborators to rid the political landscape of corruption and violence.”

“BNP has consistently maintained that the Awami League should be legally banned through proper judicial processes,” he added. “We’ve raised this demand repeatedly in public forums and political discussions. Though delayed, we welcome the interim government’s decision to suspend the activities of this fascist party and its affiliates to ensure accountability.”

Fakhrul also stressed the importance of legal reform, stating, “By amending relevant laws to allow the prosecution of those responsible for enforced disappearances, killings, and systematic repression, the government has made the right move. Had this action been taken earlier in response to our appeals, the administration could have avoided the current political pressure and awkwardness.”

He cautioned the interim authorities to remain mindful and deliberate in their future actions, particularly as they relate to political governance.

Referring to the former fascist regime’s last-minute decision to ban Jamaat-e-Islami, Fakhrul said, “We opposed that ban too, because a political party should only be proscribed through legal and judicial means, not via administrative orders.”